Navy carrier departs Philippines

Marines and sailors on amphibs extend aid to new areas after typhoon

Philippine troops help their countrymen exit a Japanese C-130 Hercules after being airlifted from Tacloban to Manila as part of Operation Damayan, Nov. 22. At the request of the Philippine government the U.S. State Department and military, U.S. Agency for International Development, and other foreign government and non-governmental organizations have provided food, water, shelter and airlifts to residents of areas affected by Typhoon Haiyan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel M. Young/Released)

Philippine troops help their countrymen exit a Japanese C-130 Hercules after being airlifted from Tacloban to Manila as part of Operation Damayan, Nov. 22. At the request of the Philippine government the U.S. State Department and military, U.S. Agency for International Development, and other foreign government and non-governmental organizations have provided food, water, shelter and airlifts to residents of areas affected by Typhoon Haiyan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel M. Young/Released)

The U.S. aircraft carrier George Washington left the Philippines early Friday local time as amphibious dock landing ships Ashland and Germantown took the lead for international relief operations after Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), military officials announced.

The San Diego-based cruiser Cowpens and its embarked helicopter crews remain in the Philippine Sea, flying missions into Tacloban while a joint task force is extending relief operations to typhoon victims out west in Visayas, said Marine Capt. Rebecca Melesky, a spokeswoman for Joint Task Force 505.

The U.S. government has 1,212 people in the Philippines, mostly troops from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, based in Okinawa, Japan.

In addition to aircraft, the amphibious ships brought small boats and hovercraft capable of transporting to shore trucks, heavy equipment to clear roads and debris, and vehicles capable of reaching remote areas inaccessible by air.

With 19 active field hospitals on the ground, the Philippine government said there was less demand for air and medical support from the George Washington carrier strike group, Melesky said.

"In addition to the enhanced capabilities of the Ashland and Germantown, the Japanese Navy will be surveying the eastern coast of Samar and identifying additional impacted areas for relief support," U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. John Wissler, the task force commander, said in a statement.

"These are more suitable assets, and combined with the naval vessels from Japan, Australia, and other nations, we continue to be postured to help wherever the Philippine government and the armed forces of the Philippines needs us," Wissler said. "We will remain here until our unique capabilities are no longer necessary."

Lt. Gen. Alan R. Luga, vice chief of staff of the Philippine armed forces, said: "We are very thankful to the United States armed forces for sending one of their aircraft carriers to the Philippines and immediately supporting our humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations following the devastation of super typhoon Yolanda."